The streaming giant's Surprising New Undead Movie Injects Fresh Air into a Overused Category

Generally speaking, I'm over zombie movies. While favorites such as 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead proved gripping, this category seems largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later remains sitting in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Indonesian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite enjoyable.

Impressive Rhythm and Character Development

Among the film's strongest strengths lies in the superb pacing. It kicks off using a striking opening sequence where a peaceful family party is violently disrupted by a vehicle plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, a very undead-looking stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This intense scene is immediately succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household prior to the tragedy struck.

Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir actually allows viewers enough time to become acquainted with the primary characters prior to the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a married mother whose former best friend, Karina, has become married to her dad—an obviously awkward dynamic. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet a bit inept socially, and who loves gaming alongside his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently been unfaithful to her. The family patriarch is her dad, the owner of a popular natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and he appears to care about only two things: his work and his marriage to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this gathering proves extremely tense.

Invested in the Conflict

I became so engrossed with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama that I almost forgot this was a scary movie—which might sound like a negative, but in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant amount of the film depicting us the identity of every family member is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing personalities allowed the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—an uncommon feat in a genre that often introduces individuals only to eliminate them soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its cast as two-dimensional, disposable victims for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine surprise once events eventually go wrong.

Evocative of Parasite

The initial scenes of the party and various household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama with slightly dark comedy before taking a sudden turn toward shocking ground. These introductory scenes aren't centered as much on humor compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless gives enough opportunity to immerse in the setting before everything gets upended.

Unique Infection Origin

The film additionally presents a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended laboratory incident or some sort of bioweapon, the source for this infectious condition stems from a new batch from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While we do learn something regarding how it started, it would have been better if the movie had spent additional time on how Wani Waras went from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this affliction produces on humans is absolutely disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, freaky-looking, and, perhaps worst of all, constantly grinning. This represents a daring decision, yet it works. The Elixir's practical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.

Capable Characters

More impressive compared to the disgusting scenes is the cast themselves. Of course, we see some examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her relatives show themselves inventive and sharp. They also don't hesitate to kick an undead in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it on the skull with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey caught in lights as death approaches.

Believable Family Strike

The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning into zombies, this proved a welcome authentic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died so I instantly pardon you for all your mistakes!" cliché frequently used in end-of-world movies. It's clear, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, yet it's equally apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity in their relationship. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to meet up at a nearby location. But when Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes expresses an immense level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been building for years. Nes is not perfect, and her family—flawed as it is—feel realistic and understandable because the film doesn't try to promote the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments where these individuals express appreciation toward one another seem far more sincere.

Stereotypical Ending

In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir isn't really offering up some profound insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's primarily serving up scares. But they're effective frights, and since the film allows every personality sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome proves a captivating and entertaining